At Lakmé Fashion Week March 2026, Indian fashion moved beyond spectacle into a more process-driven, thoughtful era. This season wasn’t just about trends; it was about how clothes are made, who makes them, and why they matter. From artisanal revival to futuristic textiles, designers showcased a powerful blend of sustainability and innovation. Hashtag magazine gives you the key highlights Péro by Aneeth Arora: Out of Office Background: Known for “international clothing with an Indian heart,” Aneeth Arora focuses on artisanal, handmade textiles. Collection Spotlight: The runway was transformed into a theatrical office space complete with desks and telephones. The collection used a strict palette of blue and white to reimagine rigid workwear as playful, comfortable attire. USP: Sartorial theatre that addressed the modern work-life balance through hand-embroidered, “carefree” garments. Manish Malhotra: Luxury Prêt & Accessories Debut Background: India’s premier bridal couturier, Malhotra, is famous for his cinematic glamour and association with Bollywood. Collection Spotlight: This show marked his first dedicated luxury prêt (ready-to-wear) line and the launch of MM Accessories. The collection focused on “Quiet Luxury”, multi-wear separates and travel-ready couture. USP: Lifestyle Branding. A pivot from heavy bridal couture to a versatile, modern wardrobe that maintains his signature “timeless glamour”. AFEW by Rahul Mishra: White Gold Background: Mishra is a global pioneer in sustainable luxury and was the first Indian to win the International Woolmark Prize. Collection Spotlight: In partnership with SUPIMA, this collection explored the ecology of cotton. Motifs included dragonflies, marigolds, and insects, all hand-embroidered on fine cotton and Chanderi weaves. USP: “Cotton into Couture.” Repositioning humble cotton as a high-luxury fibre through artisanal density and a quieter, more restrained aesthetic. Amit Aggarwal: Orizon Background: A master of structured, architectural fashion who uses recycled materials and signature metallic polymer strips. Collection Spotlight: In collaboration with Indriya Jewels,

For the past decade, the jewellery industry has seen waves of change. Artificial jewellery, minimalist designs, and the rapid rise of lab-grown diamonds have transformed consumer preferences, especially among younger buyers looking for affordable luxury. Yet in 2026, gold jewellery is quietly reclaiming its throne. From weddings to everyday fashion and even men’s accessories, gold is experiencing a powerful resurgence not just as ornamentation, but as a trusted investment. The Investment Factor One of the biggest reasons for gold jewellery’s comeback is simple: stability. While diamonds and lab-grown alternatives have gained popularity due to affordability, they often lack strong resale value. Gold, on the other hand, remains a tangible asset that can be sold, exchanged, or passed down generations. This financial security has made gold increasingly attractive to modern buyers who want jewellery that doubles as an investment. During recent wedding seasons in India, jewellers have reported rising demand for plain gold jewellery in 22K, 18K and 14K forms as buyers prioritise long-term value over heavily diamond-studded pieces. With gold prices steadily climbing in recent years, many consumers now view gold jewellery as a form of wearable wealth something that carries emotional significance while also retaining monetary value. Celebrity Influence and the Wedding Effect Celebrity culture continues to play a major role in shaping jewellery trends. A recent example is the high-profile wedding of actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, which sparked widespread discussion about heritage jewellery. The couple’s wedding looks prominently featured elaborate handcrafted gold pieces inspired by South Indian temple architecture. Rashmika reportedly wore eleven pieces of traditional gold jewellery, while Vijay made headlines for embracing bold groom jewellery including layered necklaces, ear studs, cuffs and other royal-inspired ornaments. Their wedding highlighted something significant: gold jewellery is no longer just for brides. Men Are Embracing Jewellery Again Historically,

Alfiya Karim Khan grew up in Mumbai in a family where education was non-negotiable, and ambition was encouraged, so long as it followed a conventional path. Academically strong, medicine seemed almost predetermined for her. But internally, she felt drawn elsewhere. “Deep down, I always knew my life did not belong in a hospital corridor,” she says. “It belonged in the creative industry.” Choosing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media instead of medicine was met with hesitation and doubt. Coming from a background where most women were financially dependent, she had rarely seen female entrepreneurship firsthand. That absence became fuel. “Every time someone questioned whether content creation was serious, it pushed me to take it more seriously,” she reflects. What began quietly in her bedroom evolved into financial independence and professional stability. Today, her work represents more than a career; it symbolises “choosing conviction over comfort.” A Cultural Voice in Modest Fashion Alfiya identifies as a digital entrepreneur and a cultural voice within the modest fashion space. A decade ago, the online fashion landscape felt misaligned with her personal style. “I did not want to shape-shift just to belong,” she explains. “I decided to build around my authenticity instead of bending away from it.” Over the past 10 years, she has collaborated with global and legacy brands, been recognised among Forbes’ Top 100 Digital Stars, and represented modest fashion at Paris Couture Week. For her, these milestones represent more than visibility; they signal representation. “This is not just fashion content,” she says. “It is about showing that ambition and values can coexist.” Reinterpreting, Not Rejecting At its core, her work reinterprets mainstream fashion through a modest lens. Rather than rejecting trends, she modifies them, layering strategically and reshaping silhouettes. “Fashion does not have to be abandoned to align with

Tiara Dhody is a Mumbai-based founder and the creative force behind Treasures by Tiara. She studied at Cathedral and John Connon School, the United World College in Singapore, and later at Sarah Lawrence College, experiences that shaped her global perspective and independent thinking. Growing up in a household where fashion and design were part of everyday conversation, she was naturally immersed in aesthetics. Influenced by her mother, Queenie Dhody, and Raja Dhody, she absorbed a visual language early on. Yet, she credits her broader worldview to quieter influences. “Beyond formal education, I feel most shaped by the books I read, the films I watch, the places I travel to, and the people I surround myself with,” she says. “All of it quietly filters into my work.” Jewellery as Intimate Expression Tiara has chosen the path of self-expression, and for her, jewellery is one of the most intimate mediums through which to access it. “It’s something you can wear, feel, and move with; it becomes part of your story,” she explains. She also describes a more intangible element: “There’s something cosmic about it, the way certain pieces seem to find you at the right time.” In India, jewellery carries memory. It is passed down, inherited, gifted, layered with sentiment and history. That cultural weight deeply informs her design philosophy. “What sets my work apart is the balance between meaning and wearability,” she notes. The pieces are expressive without being loud, crafted to feel personal and enduring rather than purely ornamental. Many associate her designs with strong feminine energy, detailed craftsmanship, and jewellery that feels lived-in rather than showcased. Designed to Be Lived In Treasures by Tiara approaches jewellery differently. It is not created to be stored away for weddings or rare occasions; it is designed to be worn daily. “The idea